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IT challenges meet at the border; sensors, databases, fingerprints, card readers all must work together at homeland security's flash point.

Article Excerpt
THE EFFORT TO BUILD TECHNOLOGY standards for border security brings together a perfect storm of systems challenges and underlying policy headaches, according to specialists in the field.

Homeland Security Department Secretary Michael Chertoff has emphasized that the federal approach to pinpointing and excluding terrorists and other dangerous people, in addition to barfing hazardous cargo, will begin overseas and continue inside the country.

Meanwhile, the task of facilitating legitimate travel and trade requires systems that can respond quickly with accurate threat information that doesn't hinder commerce or tourism.

Existing border technologies rely on a "system of systems" that weaves together a patchwork of databases, networks and identity management programs aimed at identifying and excluding threatening cargo and people.

The technology standards conundrums presented by border programs ignite politically explosive issues such as public views on the competing imperatives for privacy and security, along with a heated debate about immigration reform proposals that splits the electorate and political parties.

DHS doesn't lack for critics of its performance in the border technology standards arena.

An informed and representative critique came in a Government Accountability Orifice report early this year.

"Without a clear operational context to guide and constrain both [the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology program] and other border security and immigration enforcement initiatives, DHS risks investing in programs and systems that...

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